Have you ever had red velvet brownies? If not, you are in for a treat because these are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth! They’re moist, fluffy, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that will have you licking your fingers. This is a from-scratch brownie recipe that is decadent, surprisingly easy to make, and ideal for sharing with others.
Red Velvet Brownies
While you may find red velvet more popular around certain holidays, I find this to be one of those recipes that is ideal any time of year. It's just decadent enough of a dessert that it feels fancy, but is also simple enough that you can whip it up in no time on a weeknight.
The addition of a homemade cream cheese frosting takes this from tasty to amazing in seconds. There are tons of ways to make it even more unique for your preferences, but the base recipe is scrumptious on its own. Make it as an easy dessert for every day, to share with guests, or just to tuck into lunch boxes as a surprise.
What Flavor Is Red Velvet?
Red velvet is a flavor that has become increasingly popular over the years. Some find it to be an acquired taste, while others love it from the very first bite. The thing is, it's really nothing more than a dyed chocolate flavor! For this recipe, you have a chocolate base that is dyed a shade of red by the food coloring. Traditionally that color came from Dutch cocoa powder in the recipe.
It’s easy to see why so many people enjoy this classic Southern comfort food favorite. Red velvet desserts are chocolatey and moist with just enough sweetness. The cream cheese frosting adds an extra level of richness. With this combination, you have a great dessert that is just a bit elevated from your ordinary brownie mix.
Can I Make These with Boxed Brownie Mix?
If you wanted to skip the homemade brownie part of this recipe, you can use a boxed brownie mix. You will want to add red coloring to the batter to give it the red velvet flare. Then you will want to make this homemade frosting to get the completed red velvet brownies flavor. When using a boxed brownie mix, I recommend going for one that has a fudgy texture for the richness you want.
Can I Use Chocolate Chips Instead of a Baking Bar?
While I prefer to use a baking chocolate bar when making this recipe, you can also use chocolate chips. Substitute the same amount of chocolate chips for the measurement of the baking bar. In this instance, a semi-sweet chocolate chip would work best.
Do I Have to Refrigerate Red Velvet Brownies?
If the brownies are not frosted, you can store them at room temperature. When you add the cream cheese frosting to the top of the red velvet brownies, you will need to store the brownies in the refrigerator.
For those that love warm brownies or do not like brownies once they have been in the refrigerator, you can make the brownies, let them cool and store them in an airtight container at room temperature then store the frosting in the refrigerator. You can then frost each brownie when it is time to serve. If you choose to warm the brownie before eating it, as you frost it, the cream cheese frosting will melt slightly where the brownie meets the frosting.
How Long are Brownies Good For?
This recipe will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you have stored them in the refrigerator, once they are frosted, they can last up to a week.
You can also freeze the brownies to help them last longer. If you choose to freeze the brownies, you will want to do this before adding the frosting for easier storage. You can freeze it after adding the frosting, but you will want to freeze the brownies on a plate or on a cookie sheet so that the frosting freezes. Then you can move it to a freezer bag or wrap it in plastic. This prevents the frosting from sticking to the plastic.
The brownies will last for about 3 months in the freezer. When thawing the brownies, be sure to remove the plastic first or it will stick to the frosting.
Ingredients for Brownies
- Bittersweet chocolate baking bar
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Red food coloring
- Baking powder
- Vanilla extract
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Handy Kitchen Tools
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies
Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Alternately, you can line with aluminum foil or parchment paper that hangs over the edges of the pan and has been lightly greased. Set aside.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together at half power for 30-seconds at a time, stirring between each time, until almost melted. Stir until completely melted.
To the melted chocolate, add and whisk in the sugar.
Then, add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until incorporated.
Next, add the flour, red food coloring, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until completely combined.
Pour the batter into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, on the middle rack, until the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, but with moist crumbs.
Remove from the oven and set the pan aside to cool completely.
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Beat on medium speed until combined completely and creamy.
Spread over the top of the cooled brownies, or cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Slice and serve with additional chocolate or dusting of cocoa if desired.
More Easy Desserts
Looking for more yummy dessert ideas? Check out some of my favorites below and make sure you bookmark, print, or pin them to make soon!
- Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
- Cherry Coke Cupcakes Recipe
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Red Velvet Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
This delicious and decadent red velvet brownies recipe complete with a homemade cream cheese frosting is the perfect dessert any day of the week!
Ingredients
Ingredients for Red Velvet Brownies
- 6-ounces bittersweet chocolate baking bar, chopped
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- Red Food Coloring
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8-ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Alternately, you can line with aluminum foil or parchment paper that hangs over the edges of the pan and has been lightly greased. Set aside.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together at half power for 30-seconds at a time, stirring between each time, until almost melted. Stir until completely melted.
- To the melted chocolate, add and whisk in the sugar,
- Then, add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until incorporated.
- Next, add the flour, red food coloring, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until completely combined.
- Pour the batter into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, on the middle rack, until the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, but with moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and set the pan aside to cool completely.
How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Beat on medium speed until combined completely and creamy.
- Spread over the top of the cooled brownies, or cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Mix in mini-chocolate chips for additional chocolate flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
9Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 812Total Fat: 46gSaturated Fat: 28gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 176mgSodium: 201mgCarbohydrates: 92gFiber: 4gSugar: 70gProtein: 9g
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